The federal government has awarded nearly $240,000 to a Milwaukee nonprofit to help public housing residents find jobs and educational opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the grant for SET Ministry during a Tuesday news conference at Hillside Terrace Family Resource Center.

"Any time you get money, it's a great occasion," said Ann Wilson, the facility's manager.

The grant is part of HUD's work helping low-income people build economic security and self-sufficiency.

"The funding gives our local partners the resources they need to help residents become economically independent," said HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Joseph Galvan.

Galvan said the agency had awarded nearly $35 million to groups around the country, but noted that SET Ministry was the only one in Wisconsin to win one of the grants.

The money aims to help SET Ministry and others hire "service coordinators" who work with residents to assess their needs and connect them with education, job training, placement programs and computer and financial literacy services.